Emergency Care of Persons with Hemophilia

There may be no visible signs of bleeding in a person with hemophilia but bleeding episodes may be life-threatening. Above all, prompt treatment (infusion of clotting factor concentrate) is essential. For a conscious patient, follow the guidelines below:

Listen to patient and family members. They are very knowledgeable about bleeding disorders.
Ask if the patient has his own clotting factor concentrate.
Allow the patient, a family member or care giver to infuse the factor and/or bring the factor to the hospital. (If it appears transport may be delayed Medical Control should be contacted as soon as possible.)
Assess the patient.
Stabilize the patient:
- R - Rest
- I - Ice
- C - Compression
- E - Elevate
Make early contact with Medical Control for guidance on treatment and most appropriate destination.
Transport to the appropriate hospital.

Since factor concentrates are not stored by all hospitals in New York State, if the patient does not have factor concentrate, consult with Medical Control for hospital destination. (NOTE: The patient or family members may be able to identify the hospital with the most appropriate resources needed to best deal with a specific emergency for hemophilia patient.)

SEMAC - State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee
Advisory Number: 97-01
Title: Emergency Care of Persons with Hemophilia
Date Approved: February 4, 1997
Page 1 of 1
New York State Department of Health (DOH)